CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – Northern Luzon Command forces spearheaded by the 24th Infantry Battalion (24IB) of the 7th Infantry Division (7ID), Philippine Army, encountered more or less ten (10) members Communist New People’s Army Terrorists Group (CNTG), with unknown leader, in Sitio Mabungtot, Ud-Udiao, Sal-Lapadan, Abra at around 7:30 in the morning of February 11, 2018 (Sunday).

The firefight ensued, while the troops were conducting Focused Military Operations (FMO), as a response to the reports provided by the residents of NPA terrorists’ presence in their locality. The skirmish, which lasted for about twenty-eight (28) minutes, resulted to the killing of one (1) NPA criminal killed and the recovery of a total of four (4) high-powered firearms consisting of three (3) M16 rifles, one (1) carbine rifle and an ICOM Radio.

On the other hand, no casualty or loss was incurred by the government forces. Moreover, additional troops were sent to pursue the remaining NPA terrorists.

The successful support to law enforcement operation was a result of the local community’s support to get rid lawless elements from their community. NOLCOM Commander, LTGEN EMMANUEL B SALAMAT AFP, lauded the troops for the successful conduct of this military operation. Further, NOLCOM encourages the remnants of the Communist NPA Terrorist Group to return to the folds of the law, do away with the armed struggle and be able to contribute to nation-building. NOLCOM / MCAG